Christian Artist TobyMac wins at Sunday's AMAs

The award was announced off air. TobyMac was not in the audience when the award was announced. According to his website, TobyMac was closing out his west coast Winter Jam tour in Fresno, CA when the news spread that he had won the AMA for Favorite Contemporary/Inspirational Artist.

TobyMac later annouced in a press release, “This is my first AMA! I still can't believe it. It is so meaningful to me because the people I'm thinking about when I'm writing these songs are the ones who vote. Thank YOU guys from the bottom of my heart!"

He also posted a picture of the ABC announcement on his website and wrote underneath, "I'm Thankful for YOU!!!!!!!!! Thanks for voting, you guys are the bomb dot com!!!!"

TobyMac, previously a singer for Christian band DCTalk, has sold over 11 million albums and won 5 Grammy awards as a solo artist.

His lastest album "Eye On It" debuted at the number one spot of the Billboard 200 earlier this year, marking the first time a Christian Contemporary Music artist has done so in 15 years.

TobyMac said of the distinction, "My hope has always been that these songs would somehow remind people that though we are all flawed, God offers us love, hope and refuge. If this week or these numbers is [SIC] any indication of that, I am thankful."

TobyMac competed against fellow Christian singer Jeremy Camp and Christian band the Newsboys in the Contemporary Inspirational catagory. Fans determined the winner by voting online.

Othere AMA winners announced off air included British pop artists Adele for favorite contemporary artist, Katy Perry for favorite pop/ rock artist, and Rihanna for favorite soul/ R&B Album.